There are pros and cons to be considered if you’re trying to decide between water softener rentals or purchasing your own unit.
1. Pros of water softener rentals
2. Cons of water softener rentals
3, Pros of purchasing a water softener
4. Cons of purchasing a water softener
Here at WaterSmart, our water softener experts have over 25 years of experience in the water softener industry and we'd love to share our expertise with you. Contact us today.
Water Softener Rentals: Renting vs Owning
Kitchener-Waterloo residents face unique hard water challenges. A water softener resolves these hard water problems, but whether you should rent or buy your water softener can be a difficult decision.
Here’s a quick overview to help make your decision. Keep reading for a more detailed explanation.
Pros of Water Softener Rentals
1. You make a small initial investment
Water softener rentals don’t require much cash upfront.
There may be a fee for the initial installation, but you’re likely to pay month to month for usage.
2. you don’t worry about maintenance and repairs
Your maintenance and repairs are typically included in your monthly fee.
If there’s an issue with water softener rentals, the provider is responsible to fix it as they are the owner of the unit.
However, since water softeners are quite reliable, with proper care and maintenance, they don't often break down.
If and when they do, the repairs are typically not expensive. Also, if the unit needs to be replaced, the rental company will take care of it.
Repairs for water softener rentals are usually covered.
Cons of Water Softener Rentals
1. Costs you MORE OVER TIME
You’ll spend less upfront to acquire your water softener, but you will actually end up paying much more for it over time compared to investing in your own unit.
Let’s say you rent your water softener for $40/month and the original price was $1,000. After only 3 years of renting you would have already spent $1,440.
After 5 years, you would have spent $2,400, and after 10 years you would have spent $4,800.
A good quality water softener that’s well maintained can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Over a ten-year period of renting your water softener, you will have paid almost 5 times more than if you had purchased it in the first place.
2. You Limit your Model Options
There are many different types of water softeners available to purchase.
However, with renting you’re usually limited to whichever type of softener your rental company is offering.
You may not get the same freedom to choose the best model for your particular needs.
3. You Might Get a Used Water softener
Keep In mind that water softener rentals are often used units.
This might not be a problem if the unit is in good working order.
However, if you buy your own softener, you know that you are getting a fresh out-of-the-box unit installed.
Water softener rentals are usually used units.
Pros of purchasing a water softener
1. Saves you money over time
As mentioned above, water softener rentals save you money upfront, but over time, you’ll save money by buying your own unit.
Consider the total cost of ownership when deciding between renting and buying.
Additionally, if you choose a water softener company that offers financing like WaterSmart, you still don't need to make a large initial investment.
You can pay for your system in low monthly payments, similar to a rental payment.
And unlike renting, your payments will end after a short period of time and you will also be the owner of your water softener.
2. You Get Better Selection
When you purchase your water softener, you have a much broader selection of models and brands to choose from.
You can even select a water softener that has been specially designed and programmed to meet the unique hard water challenges of the Kitchener-Waterloo region, like those from WaterSmart.
3. You get a warranty
Repairs and maintenance might not be included, but when you purchase a quality water softener, it will come with a warranty that will cover parts and labour for a period of time to take the worry out of unexpected repairs or issues.
Choose from high-quality units when you buy a new water softener.
Cons of purchasing a water softener
1. You pay more upfront
Depending on your situation, you may not have the funds required to purchase a water softener up front and outright.
But again, some water softener companies will offer you financing so that you can purchase your unit in low monthly payments similar to renting.
Therefore, your payments will end after a period of time and you will own your softener. It’s a win-win.
2. You’re on the hook for REPAIR COSTS
If you own your water softener, then you are responsible for any repairs or maintenance for the unit.
When you purchase a new unit from a reputable company, you get a warranty on parts and labour for a number of years.
In addition, water softener repairs are usually relatively infrequent and minor compared to the total cost of renting a unit for many years.
Ask about our Smart Series water softeners.
Water Softener Rentals: Should You Buy Instead?
WaterSmart has been serving the Waterloo region including, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding areas since 1994.
We are committed to helping you improve the quality of your home's water. If you’re undecided about water softener rentals vs. buying your own unit, we can help.
WaterSmart partnered with Financeit to help your next big purchase be more affordable. We invite you to take a look at our financial options through Financeit; find out if you’re approved in seconds, no obligation and no commitment!
We live and work in the Kitchener-Waterloo region so we understand the hard water challenges of this area.
We know how to install and program your water softener for maximum efficiency and are familiar with the types of water softener repairs that you might need.
Contact WaterSmart today to talk to one of our water systems experts.
“Been dealing with this company for 20 years, would recommend their products and services without hesitation.”
